How to cut an MP3's length

Here are some basic steps to shorten an MP3 and get it ready for Soundslides.

Part 1 - Editing for length:

1. Open the application Soundtrack Pro
2. Open the MP3 file you want to edit
3. You will see visual representations of the stereo tracks.  Using the cursor, the play button and repeated efforts, find the selection you want to keep and make a note of when it starts and how long it lasts. (Note: If you are familiar with "marks" in Final Cut Pro, there may be similar functionality here. Feel free to try it that way.)
4. Highlight by dragging your cursor through the tracks, and delete sections of the song until you are left with only what you want.
5. If you want to fade in or fade out, highlight sections of the beginning and end, and go to the "Process" menu, an sselect fade in or fade out.
6. Save the file  to a place you can access it again, making sure to save it as a "WAVE" file.

Part 2 - Converting back to MP3 (Note: You can do this in iTunes or do it as explained below)

1. Open the application "Switch"
2. Click "add file" and find your file you edited for length
3. Click check box "Output to same folder as source files"
4. Make sure your output format is set to MP3. Click Encoder options and make sure the "Bitrate" is set to 128.
5. Click Convert

You should now have your edited audio file as an MP3 in the same folder where your edited wave file was.  You can import the new MP3 file into Soundslides.